Why the cross stop is worth its weight in gold

[MikeGE]

FW did a test between 1 domino and 3 dowels over 10 years ago, and this was the result.

It's too bad FW didn't use similarly grained wood for both tests.

 

[jarbroen]

FW did a test between 1 domino and 3 dowels over 10 years ago, and this was the result.

It's too bad FW didn't use similarly grained wood for both tests.

And too bad they didn't size the domino appropriately.  Looks like 3/4"(19mm) material and they used a 10mm domino...
Two 6mm dominos in a row would have been more appropriate.  It looks like the wood split on the stile because there wasn't much meat left.
If I make a rail and stile door the 'tenon' on the rail is 1/4"(6mm) thick.

my curiosity got the better of me and I checked the lamello connector prices. I was a little off
the tenso is 1.18 each and the p-14 clamex was about 1.50 each when bought in 300QTY.  Still to rich for me.  Perhaps Im just cheap. 

If you want to get into more cost efficient connectors Lamello has the 'Cabineo' which requires a CNC(or special jig). 
You can get a box of 500 connectors for less than $200.

It really depends on your application and the tools you have.
The D500 connectors are pricey, but super handy and efficient to use.  Especially if you've already made the investment in the D500.

 

[afish]

FW did a test between 1 domino and 3 dowels over 10 years ago, and this was the result.

It's too bad FW didn't use similarly grained wood for both tests.

And too bad they didn't size the domino appropriately.  Looks like 3/4"(19mm) material and they used a 10mm domino...
Two 6mm dominos in a row would have been more appropriate.  It looks like the wood split on the stile because there wasn't much meat left.
If I make a rail and stile door the 'tenon' on the rail is 1/4"(6mm) thick.

my curiosity got the better of me and I checked the lamello connector prices. I was a little off
the tenso is 1.18 each and the p-14 clamex was about 1.50 each when bought in 300QTY.  Still to rich for me.  Perhaps Im just cheap. 

If you want to get into more cost efficient connectors Lamello has the 'Cabineo' which requires a CNC(or special jig). 
You can get a box of 500 connectors for less than $200.

It really depends on your application and the tools you have.
The D500 connectors are pricey, but super handy and efficient to use.  Especially if you've already made the investment in the D500.

Yes but the cabineo has nothing to do with the zeta P2 or any handheld tool that would compete with the df500 or ddf40.  There are tons of different types of KD connectors some better than others. The only other KD connector that uses a specialty type handheld tool is the Ovvo connector which looks nice but I haven't tried it yet and probably never will.  Really the only time you need these specialty type KD fasters for cabinet work is when you are trying to hide screws.  Most kitchens use finish panels that hide the screws so its a non issue.  Large pieces that require transporting through tight areas and closets are probably the biggest need for them.  If that's the need then there are many to choose from all offering different benefits and price ranges.   

Yes, I also 100% agree it is heavily dependent on the individuals application.  As far as strength testing between the 2. For "cabinets" its irrelevant.  If anyone is crazy enough try and stack 500+ pounds in one corner of an upper cabinet they deserve what's coming.  Either dowel or domino is more than strong enough for cabinet construction. regardless of grain, tenon size, glue etc. etc. etc.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Agreed totally. The Zeta connectors are a bit spendy, but when used with Dominos (or dowels) you really don't need to use that many of them.
As stated, there is no need for them in typical cabinetry. I mostly use them for wall panels and structures that need to be disassembled for transport and go back together without visible fasteners.
Most of the time these things are assembled by someone who not only didn't build it in the first place, they many have never even seen it assembled.
My job is to make things appear as seamless as possible and simple to reconstruct.
The Tenso connectors are really great for that. The parts are aligned by the Dominos and once the Tensos snap into place, they hold very well. You can use them as clamps for glued joints or just allow them to hold under their own tension. The parts can be taken back apart, but you really need to plan for that. You have to be able to get enough force on them to get them apart. Right-angle joints where you can get to the back side are the easiest, because you can simply strike the panel in the correct direction. Flat panels that are edge joined, not so much, especially if you can't get to the back side to pry them apart.
The choice of any of these tools/methods is purely on the person who needs this type of thing. They are all expensive, to the point of seeming crazy to the average home hobbyist, especially combining them. I hope our shared experiences are here to help anyone who is looking into this kind of thing though. It's not really a debate, but a display of what's possible.
My own needs are probably very different from what I assume most guys here do just because of the commercial nature of my work. If I was doing the type of projects that I would be doing from home (as in when I retire) I wouldn't need the Zeta, but I wouldn't give up the DF500.
The beauty of all of these is that they hold their value very well, so if one of them can get you out of a jam, but doesn't seem earn long-term space in your shop, you can get most of your money back and you got that first job done too.